ANOTHER busy week in the office for Keith Hill and number two Dave Flitcroft has yielded no new signings - but the Dale boss insists progress is being made.

ANOTHER busy week in the office for Keith Hill and number two Dave Flitcroft has yielded no new signings - but the Dale boss insists progress is being made.

Decision time looms for the club's out-of-contract players and Hill is confident most will stay at Spotland.

"In a couple of weeks time we will be much clearer with regard to what and who we've got for next season," he said.

"We've a busy few days contacting players and agents and it's coming to that stage where people need to make their minds up and come up with what they consider to be the right answers.

"We don't want players making rash decisions and we have to be patient. It means a lot of waiting around, but as a player I explored the opportunities open to me so I can understand any player doing the same.

"We may not be able to compete across the board with the wages other clubs can pay, but what we can offer is an opportunity to play in the first-team. The players already at the club know what we offer and I'm hopeful that - bar one or two - those who have been offered contracts will stay with us.

"We know we'll be going into next season with the nucleus of a very good squad.

"I think it was more difficult for Steve Parkin last summer with the changes at boardroom level. We will certainly have a healthier start than the previous manager."